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Ben Affleck - "I was signed up to direct Homeland"

The Argo director says he pulled out of helming the pilot episode of the hit US conspiracy thriller series

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Written By

Daniel Bettridge

9:51 AM, 31 October 2012

Ben Affleck almost took up directing duties on the pilot of Homeland, the actor-turned-director has revealed. Speaking at the Casting Society of America’s annual Artios Awards, where he was presented with a Career Achievement gong, Affleck stated that he’d signed to direct the show but had to pull out prior to production due to family commitments.

“I was sure nothing would happen with the show,” he joked. “Now I hate the f***ing show. I’ve never seen it. I’m going to attach myself to 14 pilots this year.”

Speaking at the same event, Libby Goldstein, who was responsible for casting the critically acclaimed drama, which currently airs on Channel 4, suggested that even though he eventually passed on the project Affleck’s involvement was in part responsible for attracting star names such as Emmy award winners Claire Danes and Damian Lewis.

Reading from a poem she had written to mark the occasion Goldstein said: “When we met for the job we asked who was going to direct, And both Howard and Alex answered who else? Ben Affleck.” before going on to state “Everyone said He’s directing the show? Well here is my “A” list this thing’s gonna go. ”

Ben Affleck made his name in a string of eye-catching performances in films such as Good Will Hunting, Armageddon and Dogma. More recently he’s stepped behind the camera and his latest film Argo, a dramatisation of a 1980 intelligence operation to extract diplomatic personnel out of Iran, has been widely tipped to be amongst next year’s Oscar contenders.